“From such a stick, such a splinter,” is a popular Spanish saying to explain how a son resembles his father. Like father, like son. The first Spotlight on Immuno-Oncology conference of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) is the splinter of the ASGCT annual meeting, which brought together a group of experts in this field. It took place on Aug. 1 and 2, 2023, starting with a series of talks on “B Cell Malignancies and Beyond.”

Critically shortened telomeres are a key limiting factor in successful CAR T-cell immunotherapy, with cells from older patients tending to have shorter telomeres with reduced dividing capacity. As such, these cells are unable to fully eliminate malignancies and provide durable and persistent protection against cancer.

Researchers from OSE Immunotherapeutics SA have published preclinical data for the novel anti-ChemR23 monoclonal antibody (MAb) (OSE-230) with anti-inflammatory properties, being evaluated for the potential treatment of cancer.

Novaccess Global Inc. has signed a letter of intent and formed a partnership with BCN Biosciences LLC to expand its immunotherapy platform. Utilizing BCN’s small-molecule drug BCN-057, Novaccess Global has begun the development of a fourth generation of its novel brain tumor immunotherapy TLR-AD-1, targeting glioblastoma.

Avencell Therapeutics Inc. has received approval from the EMA for its clinical trial application (CTA) for AVC-201 for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other selected hematologic malignancies positive for CD123. A phase I study will be conducted in Germany.

Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co. has received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its clinical trial application for 7MW-3711 for advanced malignant solid tumors.